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Environment Pollution In Africa
The people of Africa bear a double burden of environmental threats to their health, says Dr Anthony Mbewu, Executive Director: Research Development at the Medical Research Council.According to Dr Mbewu industry as well under-development in informal and inner city settlements cause environmental pollution. He added that it is estimated the one-third of the burden of disease in the world is cause by environmental factors.
"It is that appropriate during Environmental Awareness Week we are mindful that children are particularly vulnerable to environmental pollution and hazards," said Ms Angela Mathee, who heads the MRC's Environment and Health Research Office. Despite making up only 10% of the world's population, young children are estimated to bear around 40% of the world's burden of disease.
She added that long-standing concerns such as inadequate access to water, sanitation and, safe cooking fuels, continue to contribute to two of the biggest killers of young South African children: diarrheal diseases and pneumonia. Rooted in South Africa's political history, there continues to be strong poverty and "racial" dimensions to childhood environmental threats in this country.
Mathee added that most children face the worst environmental hazards in their own homes and schools. "For example, we have known for some time that leaded petrol is a major contributor to high blood levels in as many 55% of children living in impoverished areas. We are only now however, beginning to appreciate that lead-based house paint may also be playing an important role in childhood lead exposure. Preliminary results from an exploratory study currently underway in Johannesburg, is indicating that lead-based paint may have been used in as many as 22% of homes.However organisations like http://helpassist.googlepages.com are helping situations by raising funds through donations ,if you would like to help assist then visit their web site.